Unstable Fluid Podcast 4: Reading and Writing? In STEM subjects!?
Mar 13, 2024
Kat and Thomas dive into the challenges of academic writing, especially for STEM students. They offer tips for structuring papers and reading academic articles efficiently. Discussion includes the nuances of thesis writing and the importance of early broad reading during PhDs. A light-hearted debate transitions to what truly qualifies as a fluid, questioning if mayonnaise can be classified as such. The conversation rounds off with thoughts on the nature of glass and its flow, making for a fun blend of academia and curiosity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Thesis Writing: Calm At The Start
- Kat announces she's in the thesis writing-up phase and enjoys revisiting earlier work while explaining basics in her own words.
- She feels proud and calm so far but expects stress will come later.
Conference Poster Jitters
- Thomas prepares for his first conference and worries about poster logistics and international travel arrangements.
- He accepts small typos are normal and that posters often contain unnoticed errors.
What A Thesis Actually Shows
- A thesis is personal: it proves who did the work, demonstrates understanding, and situates novel contributions within the field.
- 'Thesis by publication' is increasingly common and can simplify writing when papers exist.
